THE RAINBOW MINISTER

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8679, 12 March 1914, Page 4

THE RAINBOW MINISTER

We are inclined, to agree with several of our correspondents that if the I Hon. F. M. B. Fisher intends to meet i even ji section of his constituents to'morrow -night he should not be content with the comparative obscurity of St. Peter’s schoolroom, but should courageously take the platform in the Town Hall and “let ’em all come.” There are thousands of electors who are anxious to listen to Mr Fisher and to learn why ho yielded to temptation after pledging himself that he would, never sit in a freehold Cabinet. Th<jy want to know also oil about smashing labour in the interests of' '‘our” party and abolishing municipal councils and other forms of local selfgovernment in favour of government by expert. .Then there is that story of the Westport Harbour Board, which Mr Fisher has never ventured to relate to the people from- his own point of view, and that excellent proposal ,of. his to run ’an opposition to the (Union Steam Ship Company unless -it its prepared to carry motor-ears at a lower rate. Mr Fisher’s constituents i are interested, in this scheme, because 1 they all enjoy the luxury of motor-, Icar ownership, and cheap carriage of their oars wo’old bo a sufficient comiponsation for the neglect to reduce I the Customs duties to which Mr Fisher ! wiaa pledged, hut which is a matter of no consequence whatever. Besides, while Mr Massey is accustomed to boast of what the Government has and lias net done, Mr Fisher is apparently the only Minister who knows what it proposes to do, so that for this r-etason alone it is desirable that the people should be able to hear ham. We appeal -to Mr Fisher in the mogh ami able and friendly spirit. Ho is willing enough to talk for the edification of the electors of Wairoa, and Kaiapoi, and Hastings. Why not consider the desire of thousands of his own constituents, who are very eager to hear him, and take the Town Hall ? They are all anxious to come;